BRECKENRIDGE - Breckenridge, Vail and Copper Mountain ski resorts announced they will extend the two resorts' ski seasons one additional weekend - April 19 to 21 - due to the large amounts of snow the resorts have received over the last part of the season.

Breckenridge has received over five feet of snow so far in April, including another 16 inches since the official closing on Sunday. At Vail, 24 inches has fallen since closing day of the 50th anniversary season. Additional snow is in the forecast this week for both resorts.

"After skiing some amazing powder turns on closing day and more heavy snow in the forecast this week, we just don't have the heart to shut down Breck's lifts just yet," Pat Campbell, senior vice president and COO at Breckenridge Ski Resort, said. "We can't deny how great the conditions are, so this is a great opportunity for all of our guests to take advantage of a few extra days and enjoy more of the spring skiing and riding we all love here in Breck."

"This is a great way to end our 50th anniversary season," Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and COO at Vail Mountain, said. "This is an opportunity for our season-pass holders and skiers from around the region to take advantage of a few extra days, and enjoy more of the spring skiing we all love here in Colorado."

Skiing this weekend will be free for 2012-13 Vail Resorts season pass holders.